restful

American  

[rest-fuhl] / ˈrɛst fəl /

adjective

1. giving or conducive to rest.

   Antonyms:

   disturbing

2. being at rest; quiet; tranquil; peaceful.

   Synonyms:

   undisturbed, serene, calm

   Antonyms:

   agitated

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restful British  

/ ˈrɛstfʊl /

adjective

1. giving or conducive to rest

2. being at rest; tranquil; calm

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Other Word Forms

• restfully
  adverb
• restfulness
  noun
• unrestful
  adjective
• unrestfully
  adverb
• unrestfulness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of restful

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at rest ¹, -ful

Explanation

Something that's restful soothes you or helps you to relax. At the end of a long, busy day, a hot bath can be restful. Chasing your three year-old cousin around a playground in the hot sun for an hour isn't particularly restful, but you might follow that up with a restful nap in a comfortable hammock. Anything peaceful and quiet is restful. The word adds the suffix -ful, "full of" or "characterized by," to rest, which comes from a Germanic root meaning "rest, repose, or peace."

Example Sentences

Restful, refined tropical color scheme; private yard with guest cottage.

From Washington Times • Apr. 21, 2022

The Old and the Restful: Grandpa: “I love you.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2015

Restful sleep is like a fountain of youth, and exercise helps you achieve it.

From Time • Apr. 4, 2015

Read more: A Sleep Meditation for a Restful Night Eat chocolate Another sneaky source of caffeine is chocolate, especially dark chocolate with high cocoa contents.

From Time • Mar. 10, 2015

We call our house Pleasant Haven, or Restful Retreat, though it appears under a different title in the guide book.

From Over the Border: Acadia, the Home of "Evangeline" by Chase, Eliza B. (Eliza Brown)

Related Words

• relaxed
• relaxing
• serene
• tranquil